In my family we have a quirky tradition where we always do jigsaw puzzles without knowing what the picture is. I love the mystery of seeing the picture gradually develop as I gather colours and pieces together. Of course sometimes I need to twist and turn large fragments and rearrange them but eventually it all comes together and the picture reveal is always such fun, and not nearly as difficult as it sounds! Really!
This book felt a bit like that. Blurred bits and pieces, surprising twists and turns, vague memories and diary entries eventually converge to solve the mystery of a family history. A beautifully told story of family, identity, art and survival.
Elizabeth is blind and can no longer read books or see the paintings she loves, but her mind is sharp and in her mind’s eye she ruminates on the secrets of her past. Morgan, a troubled teen, is completing a community service stint at the seniors home where Elizabeth lives. An unlikely relationship develops between the two as Morgan helps Elizabeth decipher the journals that were recently discovered on a shipwrecked boat.
Coincidences reveal connections that draw the two together and tell a story of the beautiful but harsh Lake Superior environment of lighthouse keeping. That aspect of the novel reminded me of The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman which shares an identical plot twist.
Joanne's Reading Blog 
I’m intrigued by your description of this book, Joanne, as well as your quirky puzzle habits :). This one will go on my reading list. Right now I’m enjoying The Enchanted April, a book I never would have considered. I appreciate your blog!!!
Hi Wilma, Thanks for the encouragement! I’m glad you’re enjoying your reading life lately and I’m honoured to be able to contribute to that! I always get good recommendations from you too! Joanne
PS If you want to try the puzzle trick, just say the word and I’ll bring you one with the pieces in a ziploc bag. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your review of this book, Joanne. I really enjoyed it as well, though it was a while and a number of books ago. It’s interesting what one remembers from a book after a number of months/years. It was most appealing to me as it takes place in my “hometown”, with familiar landmarks.
You helped me recall some of the interesting aspects of the author’s approach to the unfolding of story.
I love to do jigsaw puzzles too, though the thought of your method seems daunting…I spend lots of time searching the picture for clues. I don’t even know if I could do it with some of the many puzzles I completed during this past spring. However, you’ve given me a challenge to ponder. Thx!!😊
Thanks for your endorsement of this book Patty. I think it really is one that a lot of people would enjoy and it sure is making the rounds in a lot of book clubs lately. I’m happy to see a Canadian author do so well!
We loved camping in the area this summer. The North is really so beautiful!
So you’ll need a buddy to make the puzzle challenge work (otherwise you will have seen the picture). Just get Marty to get you a puzzle for Christmas and tell him to hide the box. It’s really not as hard as it seems and it’s a great mystery you can solve one piece at a time! 🙂 Good luck!